Health care has its bright spots locally

William MedinaBe Our Guest

Published: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at 7:54 p.m.

Last week was National Health Center Week, and our community had a lot to celebrate! There are a lot of headlines about what’s going wrong with health care, but there are many bright spots right here with our very own community health center, Blue Ridge Community Health Services (BRCHS).

For instance, a few things you might not know:

u Community health centers are private, nonprofit, community and patient-led health care providers often located in communities where health care resources are scarce. Health centers provide access to care regardless of insurance status and offer discounts based on a patient’s ability to pay.

u More than 20,000 of your neighbors — whether they have insurance or not — depend on BRCHS for their health care. BRCHS sees patients of all ages and all insurance types, including Medicaid and Medicare patients.

u Its dental center and new state-of-the art medical facility integrate primary medical care, pediatrics, pharmacy, dental, nutritional and behavioral health in a patient-centered medical home. All in one stop!

u The majority of BRCHS patients are among our area’s most vulnerable. Nearly two-thirds have family incomes at or below poverty, and approximately 65 percent are uninsured. One-half of BRCHS patients are members of racial and ethnic minority groups.

u In 1993, BRCHS opened one of the first school-based health centers in North Carolina at Apple Valley Middle School, providing students with access to comprehensive medical, behavioral health and nutrition services all within the school walls. This means students miss less class time and parents miss less work. Three other schools, Bruce Drysdale Elementary, Hillandale Elementary and North Henderson High, now have school-based health centers. These centers provide services to more than 2,000 students each year.

u Through a partnership with Pardee/UNC Health Care and MAHEC’s well-respected Hendersonville Family Practice Residency, BRCHS is now Western North Carolina’s first teaching health center. This program has been very effective in training excellent primary care doctors, many of whom remain in Western North Carolina.

u Blue Ridge is the only non-hospital-owned outpatient practice in our area that has achieved accreditation by the Joint Commission, a recognition of its commitment to patient quality and safety.

u BRCHS is celebrating its 50th year as the medical home for those most in need in Western North Carolina. Happy birthday, Blue Ridge Health!

These facts are particularly special considering that the cost of care at a health center is affordable for all, and the quality is excellent. Patients are treated with dignity and respect by a team of caring professionals focused on preventing costly illnesses and diseases before they happen. That means better health, fewer hospital ER visits, and consumers, taxpayers and government save money.

Health care delivery is transforming rapidly across the country, and health centers are uniquely positioned to adapt with the changing times. Blue Ridge Community Health Services is no exception. As a physician in Henderson County for more than 18 years, I can say we are very fortunate to have BRCHS in our community.

But don’t take my word for it. Visit Blue Ridge Health and see for yourself why community health centers are a good prescription for our nation’s health. And if you like what you see, celebrate your community health center and spread the news!

Dr. William Medina serves on the board of Pardee Hospital and served on the board of Carolina Village for 14 years.

<p>Last week was National Health Center Week, and our community had a lot to celebrate! There are a lot of headlines about what's going wrong with health care, but there are many bright spots right here with our very own community health center, Blue Ridge Community Health Services (BRCHS).</p><p>For instance, a few things you might not know:</p><p>u Community health centers are private, nonprofit, community and patient-led health care providers often located in communities where health care resources are scarce. Health centers provide access to care regardless of insurance status and offer discounts based on a patient's ability to pay.</p><p>u More than 20,000 of your neighbors — whether they have insurance or not — depend on BRCHS for their health care. BRCHS sees patients of all ages and all insurance types, including Medicaid and Medicare patients.</p><p>u Its dental center and new state-of-the art medical facility integrate primary medical care, pediatrics, pharmacy, dental, nutritional and behavioral health in a patient-centered medical home. All in one stop!</p><p>u The majority of BRCHS patients are among our area's most vulnerable. Nearly two-thirds have family incomes at or below poverty, and approximately 65 percent are uninsured. One-half of BRCHS patients are members of racial and ethnic minority groups.</p><p>u In 1993, BRCHS opened one of the first school-based health centers in North Carolina at Apple Valley Middle School, providing students with access to comprehensive medical, behavioral health and nutrition services all within the school walls. This means students miss less class time and parents miss less work. Three other schools, Bruce Drysdale Elementary, Hillandale Elementary and North Henderson High, now have school-based health centers. These centers provide services to more than 2,000 students each year.</p><p>u Through a partnership with Pardee/UNC Health Care and MAHEC's well-respected Hendersonville Family Practice Residency, BRCHS is now Western North Carolina's first teaching health center. This program has been very effective in training excellent primary care doctors, many of whom remain in Western North Carolina.</p><p>u Blue Ridge is the only non-hospital-owned outpatient practice in our area that has achieved accreditation by the Joint Commission, a recognition of its commitment to patient quality and safety.</p><p>u BRCHS is celebrating its 50th year as the medical home for those most in need in Western North Carolina. Happy birthday, Blue Ridge Health!</p><p>These facts are particularly special considering that the cost of care at a health center is affordable for all, and the quality is excellent. Patients are treated with dignity and respect by a team of caring professionals focused on preventing costly illnesses and diseases before they happen. That means better health, fewer hospital ER visits, and consumers, taxpayers and government save money.</p><p>Health care delivery is transforming rapidly across the country, and health centers are uniquely positioned to adapt with the changing times. Blue Ridge Community Health Services is no exception. As a physician in Henderson County for more than 18 years, I can say we are very fortunate to have BRCHS in our community.</p><p>But don't take my word for it. Visit Blue Ridge Health and see for yourself why community health centers are a good prescription for our nation's health. And if you like what you see, celebrate your community health center and spread the news!</p><p>Dr. William Medina serves on the board of Pardee Hospital and served on the board of Carolina Village for 14 years.</p>